Food waste is a big problem in schools across the country, including our school. In total, 11.35 million pounds of food waste are produced annually in all Maryland Public schools. This equates to 14,000 tons of CO2 from food waste. It’s the same as 15.7 million tons of coal burned. Maryland school food production, transportation, and resulting food waste contribute to the release of many greenhouse gasses like methane, which traps 25 times more heat in the atmosphere than CO2. Food waste is a deeper issue within Maryland schools, 1 in 9 Marylanders faces food insecurity.
Our Solution: Composting
Here at Towson High School, we have a composting program! We keep compost bins in the cafeteria so that students can compost any leftovers rather than throwing them in the trash. Last year, many people composted and we diverted about 500 pounds of food waste.
That number alone is amazing, but there are still hundreds of students who still throw their leftover food in the trash. This is a problem not just in our school, but so many others across the state of Maryland.
All about Compostology
Compostology is a national 501(c)3 nonprofit organization aimed at addressing the current food waste problem within public schools across the Country. It was started in 2018 by two high schoolers in Montgomery County who realized it was imperative to address the food waste problem in schools. These past years, the organization has created composting programs at various schools across the state and formed a state coalition to re-imagine school waste. The youth-led organization also presented at the Maryland Food Recovery Summit. More recently, Compostology sponsored Senate Bill 124/ House Bill 150 with Senator Hettlemen and Delegate Charkoudian in the past two years.
Senate Bill 124 (SB 124) and its cross-filed bill House Bill 150 (HB 150) aimed to create an annual $250K grant program that schools or boards of education can apply to start a composting program. Compostology leaders created a postcard campaign to foster awareness and build support while the bills were in their chambers.
Many student leaders at Towson and other schools throughout Maryland worked with Compostology to get as many postcards signed and sent to legislators. At Towson, two student leaders, with the help of Environmental Science teacher Ms. Karsos, got almost 400 postcards written. Across the state, over 10,000 students wrote postcards urging legislators to pass SB 124.
This campaign showed that young people and students across Maryland schools cared about the environment and wanted a say in the solutions being presented. Most notably, this campaign showed the importance and impact that unity can have. Leading this campaign at my school with another student, taught me about the importance of using my voice and the change that it can create. After the postcards were received by the legislators both SB 124 and HB 150 passed the chambers and were signed by the Governor. The bills will be effective October 1, 2023.
The Future of Food Waste in Schools
With the amazing work done by young people like us, and nonprofits like Compostology, change is happening. Young people across the world care about the planet and are using their voices to solve environmental problems within their communities.
Student leaders and members of Towson’s Environmental Club know that food waste is a
big problem in our school. We are committed to using our voices and actions to solve the problem. So, join us! Get involved and help address environmental concerns in your community. No matter how small you think your impact may be, your voice has power and stands out against a sea of silence especially when it matters most.
Written by Safora Noor
Edited by Kate Morton
Photo Credits: One Green Planet, World Wildlife Fund, and Towson High Environmental Club
Special thanks to Compostology 501(c)(3)